CHICO, Calif. - Chico State Athletics has announced Ricci Luyties will return as interim head coach of the Wildcats volleyball program for the 2026 season.

In his first season leading the Wildcats, Luyties helped the program steadily improve throughout 2025, winning five of its final six matches and playing some of its best volleyball down the stretch. His return provides continuity for a program that enters the season with momentum.

"I loved getting to work with the team last year, and we saw some real improvement toward the end of the season that everyone was feeding off," Luyties said. "We have some really talented players coming back. The goal is to keep working as hard as we can, bring intensity to the gym every day, and continue to get better."

Luyties brings more than two decades of collegiate head coaching experience to the role. Most recently, he spent 14 seasons at UC San Diego, where he led the Tritons through their transition to NCAA Division I after building one of the CCAA's top programs. He also served as head coach at Southern Mississippi, earning Conference USA Coach of the Year honors in 2009.

As a player, Luyties won four NCAA championships at UCLA and earned a gold medal with the United States at the 1988 Olympic Games.

"We're grateful to Ricci for once again stepping into this leadership role," Coleman said. "His familiarity with our student-athletes and our program makes him the right person to lead our team this season."

The Wildcats enter the season with high expectations, led by last year's All-CCAA Second Team setter Claire Nordeen and honorable mention outside hitter Maria Wahl. Both are returning to guide a deep and talented group of outside hitters. While acknowledging the conference schedule is tough, Luyties believes earning a spot in the CCAA Tournament is a realistic goal.

Assistant coach Jaye Loyd also returns to the coaching staff for the 2026 season, providing additional continuity as the Wildcats prepare for preseason camp.

The University will conduct a national search for a permanent head coach following the conclusion of the 2026 season.